Definition of Referral

Referral: The recommendation of a medical or
paramedical professional. If you get a referral to ophthalmology, for
example, you are being sent to the eye doctor. In HMOs and other
managed care schemes, a referral is usually necessary to see any
practitioner or specialist other than your primary care physician
(PCP), if you want the service to be covered. The referral is
obtained from your PCP, who may require a telephone or office
consultation first.

The term "referral" can refer both to the act
of sending you to another doctor or therapist, and to the actual
paper authorizing your visit.